UP Election Results 2017: BJP isn't unbeatable but strategy needs to shift, said Omar Abdullah
Highlights
- BJP isn't unbeatable but strategy needs to shift: Omar Abdullah
- At present no leader who can take on PM Modi in 2019, said Mr Abdullah
- BJP has credited its victory to PM Modi who addressed 24 rallies in U.P
In a series of tweets on the state poll results, politician Omar Abdullah described the
BJP's massive victory in Uttar Pradesh as a "tsunami and not a ripple in a small pond". The former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister said opposition parties should focus their energies towards finding a positive alternative.
"At this rate, we might as well forget 2019 and start planning (and) hoping for 2024," he tweeted.
Mr Abdullah, known for his straight talk, said at present there is no leader with pan-India acceptability to take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP in the 2019 national election.
The
BJP has decimated the Samajwadi Party-Congress combine in Uttar Pradesh, where PM Modi campaigned hard and addressed 24 rallies. The party has also won big in neighbouring Uttarakhand.
In Punjab,
the Congress will return after 10 years, defeating the Akali-BJP combine. In Goa,
the Congress has an edge over its nearest rival BJP. The Congress also has the highest numbers in Manipur.
"Punjab, Goa and Manipur would certainly suggest that the BJP isn't unbeatable but strategy needs to shift from criticism to positive alternate," said Mr Abdullah.
Criticising PM Modi "will take us so far", he commented, adding that the voter needs to know there is an option that has a clear, positive road map.
"I have said this before and I will say it again the voter needs to be given an alternative agenda that is based on what we will do better," he said.